There are two ways to look at Sunday's matchup in Raymond James Stadium: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posted one of their most disappointing performances in years, and Deshaun Watson enjoyed one of his best games as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Both statements are arguably true, but the latter is obviously less likely to gain momentum.

The former Clemson star is always going to incur wrath from a large portion of the public, as is inevitable whenever someone faces more than 20 civil lawsuits regarding sexual assault and sexual misconduct allegations. But players who are accused of breaking the law can repair their image by merely thriving on the field. The sports world has witnessed such an outcome plenty of times. The problem is when an athlete has his character questioned and is struggling.

One terrific showing will not remove the murkiness surrounding Watson's tenure in Cleveland, especially when one remembers what the Browns gave up for him. Todd Monken is unsurprisingly sticking with the three-time Pro Bowl selection after the squad's 23-19 road win versus the Buccaneers, but he knows that the starting QB questions will persist, even though he is tired of speaking on the subject.

“Do I love dealing with it every week? Of course not,” the head coach told the media on Monday, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. “You guys keep asking, which is a lot of fun…. I'm happy for Deshaun, the way he's played. And I expected improvement, and I expect continued improvement. There's a lot of football left in him. He just hasn't played in a while.

“Learning our system and trying to get him consistent with his drops and his reads is part of the process. He's like every player. I see him as a young player. I know people don't want to see it that way, and I haven't been here {for most of the Watson era}, but I see him as still a very young player that is going to continue to grow.”

#Browns Todd Monken would love not to have to answer each week if Watson will start the next week. Also views him as a young player who will continue to grow: pic.twitter.com/pMNhIuVLek

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 21, 2026

The prevailing opinion is that Cleveland hired Monken to help mold the franchise's future starting quarterback, whomever that may be, but management clearly wants to see if he can get a version of Watson that looks more like the one who shined with the Houston Texans from 2017-20. Although that peak is probably unattainable, the former national champion definitely impressed in Week 2.

Deshaun Watson completed 24-of-30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions). He connected with undrafted tight end Blake Whiteheart for a 17-yard score with 3:51 remaining in regulation, positioning the Browns for a needed victory. Cleveland clinched the W following a long, long weather delay.

This QB and team still have many questions to answer, but with a respected offensive mind leading the sidelines, and dynamic rookies like Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion working in the wide receiver room, perhaps a resurgence is achievable.

Shedeur Sanders will maintain a large support system in the meanwhile, and if Watson stumbles at home versus the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers over the next two weeks, fans will be overwhelmingly vocal.

Todd Monken is used to the speculation and displeasure, though. He will try to get his whippersnapper QB prepared for what should be a lively home opener.